• by Wayne Friedman , March 11, 2011

Two major TV executives who have been pushing for better monetization of TV programs that run online -- specifically Hulu -- could be leaving the premium video Web site as board members.

Reports say that Bob Iger, president and CEO of Walt Disney Co. and Chase Carey, president and COO of News Corp., could be departing Hulu. Both companies, as well as NBC Universal and Providence Equity Partners, are stakeholders in the site.

Iger and Carey have been outspoken about their concerns for more money from consumers for their TV offerings online. In response, Hulu CEO Jason Kilar started up Hulu Plus, an expanded TV program, monthly pay service last year.

From its launch, Hulu has been a free-advertising-supported site.

Analysts believe this could be good news for Kilar -- who might have an easier time running the popular, but controversial, video platform. Kilar has come under attack, in part, for his frank remarks concerning the advantages of watching online TV shows versus on traditional TV platforms. One main advantage is less commercial clutter.

One report in The Wall Street Journal suggested that current TV company partners in Hulu have been rethinking their content deals on the site.

Hulu has a board of 12 members, which looks to shrink in size, rather than replace Iger and Carey if they leave.